Melissa joined Apex (then CBC) in November of 2018 as Interim Director and Strategic Consultant.  After nearly a year, a name change, and lots of inspiring interactions with Apex youth, she knew she didn’t want to leave and became permanent E.D. in October of 2019.

Melissa has been a child advocate her entire career.  She began as a teacher then spent over a decade as an education and juvenile justice lawyer before beginning non-profit work.  She comes to Apex with 15+ years of non-profit leadership experience.  

Melissa serves on the Boards of the Maine Children’s Alliance, Youth & Family Outreach in Portland, and Biddeford-Saco Rotary.  She was a member of the Upsilon Class of Leadership Maine.  Melissa loves hiking, camping, snow sports, making stained glass art, acting in community theater, and riding horses.   

[email protected]

Dave brings many years of experience facilitating youth development and leadership in Maine, as well as a Master’s in Education Entrepreneurship.  After graduating from Hamilton College with a degree in Philosophy focused on experiential learning, he put theory into practice at Kieve Wavus Education to create opportunities for students to learn more about themselves, their peers, and their potential through team challenges and outdoor adventure. Dave is certified as a Wilderness First Responder, Level II Challenge Course Practitioner, Level III whitewater canoe instructor, and Level IV whitewater kayak instructor. He will receive his Bike Technician and Shop Operations certification later this year.  Dave completed his Master’s in 2020 at the University of Pennsylvania. Through the Education Entrepreneurship advanced degree program, he learned entrepreneurial skills alongside research-driven principles of education design and delivery. He applied that learning to create a comprehensive, ready-to-launch business plan. At Apex, Dave is using his skills and experience to grow the Job Readiness Program and empower students to understand their potential, take charge of their future, and expand their opportunities.

Dave leads all Apex job readiness programs including Apex Bike Factory, Junior Mechanics, Earn-a-Bike, and all developing programming.

[email protected]

​Dannielle is a fun and adventurous true Mainah-gal! She grew up Portland before making her way down to Connecticut for college. She graduated with a triple minor in psychology, sociology and philosophy. She moved back to Maine when she graduated and started working as a behavioral health professional specializing in working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. She loves working with children and seeing them blossom and grow! Dannielle is with Apex through special support from the City of Biddeford. Each day through 2pm, she works as a support specialist at Seeds of Hope in Biddeford. She helps individuals, or as we call it neighbors, find housing, obtain/fill out applications, assist homeless individuals connect to resources/housing, prepare job readiness, find jobs and assist in teaching digital literacy skills. In the afternoons, she supports kids in Apex programs.  She loves building relationships with the kids and is happy to be a part of the team!
[email protected]
​

A better title for Matthew is "Community Servant /  Problem Solver" as he has served in the Biddeford community for over 25 years.   He is a member of the Biddeford Police who specializes in Crime Scene Investigation and Crash Reconstruction.  Matthew also owns his own Forensic Training and Consulting Company.  A firm believer in giving back wherever he can, Matthew supports Apex AFTER his full-time job!  He is at Apex HQ three days each week in the afternoon.  In his spare time, Matthew is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and off grid traveler. 

[email protected]

After two years working with Apex programs, Ashley has moved into the final year of her Masters in Social Work program and graduated from her internship.  Fall of 2023, she will be returning to 45 Granite Street to office share, coordinating her own nonprofit, A Running Passion, from Apex HQ!

STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR NEXT SOCIAL WORK INTERN